Public Health is encouraging all residents to know their measles vaccine status

South East Health Unit (SEHU) is encouraging residents to know their measles vaccine status and be aware of measles symptoms.

Ontario is currently experiencing a multi-jurisdictional measles outbreak that has included cases from New Brunswick and Manitoba. As of Feb. 26, 2025, 177 cases of measles have been reported (127 confirmed, 50 probable) in Ontario associated with this outbreak. Outbreak cases have been reported in four public health units: Southwestern Public Health, Grey Bruce Health Unit, Grand Erie Public Health and Chatham-Kent Public Health. At this time, no cases of measles have been reported in SEHU.

Wondering if you need the measles vaccine?

• Most individuals born before 1970 are generally presumed to have acquired immunity due to infection in their childhood, as high levels of measles were circulating before 1970.
• The MMR vaccine is part of the Ontario’s routine immunization schedule, and is required for children attending school unless they have an exemption.
• Infants six to 11 months of age who are travelling to areas with increased measles transmission should be immunized with one dose of MMR. Two additional doses are required on or after the first birthday.
• Adults 18 years of age or older who have previously received one dose of MMR should receive the second dose if they are health-care workers, post-secondary students, planning to travel to areas with increased measles transmission, or based on the health-care provider’s clinical judgement.

How can I check my immunization record?

Review your immunization record or your child’s at:

• HPE: hpechu.icon.ehealthontario.ca/#!/welcome
• KFLA: kfla.icon.ehealthontario.ca/#!/welcome
• LGL: lgl.icon.ehealthontario.ca/#!/welcome

If your record is not up to date, speak to your health-care provider about getting your vaccines.

SEHU is offering vaccine clinics for school-age children whose vaccines are not up to date. Appointments can be booked at:

• HPE: hpePublicHealth.ca/clinic/immunization-clinic
• KFLA: kflaph.ca/en/clinics-and-classes/routine-immunization-clinics.aspx
• LGL: healthunit.org/clinics-classes/immunization-clinic

When should I be worried about symptoms?

Symptoms usually appear four to 14 days after exposure to the virus and include:

• Runny nose
• Cough
• Red and watery eyes
• High fever
• Small white spots inside the cheeks and mouth
• Rash typically presents day seven to 18 after exposure and can appear all over the body

What should I do if I have symptoms or think I have been exposed?

If you experience any of these symptoms, please call your health-care provider and avoid attending any public settings. If you need to go to a clinic or other health-care setting for care, it is important to contact them ahead of time to avoid inadvertently exposing others.

If you believe you have been in contact with the measles virus, either at home or while travelling, it is recommended you:

• Wear a well-fitting mask (preferably N95/KN95 style)
• Limit unnecessary contact with others
• Monitor closely for symptoms
• For more information about measles visit hpePublicHealth.ca/measles-faqs.